Deontay Wilder has made a startling accusation regarding the current state of the use of performance enhancing drugs in boxing.
There is a microscope on doping on the sport at the moment, mainly due to the fallout from Conor Benn’s two failed tests last year ahead of his clash with Chris Eubank Jr.
Responding to a question of steroids by ESNews, Wilder admitted he believes all top fighters in the sport are “doing something” – except for himself, of course.
“For me, all the guys in the top ten and up – excluding me – are doing something. That’s how I feel.”
“I don’t need to, because of the simple fact that I have what everybody wants. I believe, and I have the power.”
Although Wilder’s comments may be exaggerated, his point could have a degree of merit given that there have been a litany of top fighters who have returned positive tests over the years.
‘The Bronze Bomber’ has been out of action since October, when he dispatched of comeback opponent Robert Helenius in less than a round in an explosive statement to the heavyweight division.
Up until recently, Wilder had been expected to take on former world champion Andy Ruiz Jr, after being ordered to face him in a final eliminator for Fury’s WBC world title.
After talks for the Ruiz bout went quiet, rumblings emerged thatWilder may have a more lucrative fight in the works. and so it proved.
Skills Challenge Group plan to stage Wilder vs Joshua and Fury vs Usyk on the same card this December, in what would be an unprecedented night for the sport, should it materialise.
The card in the Middle East would almost certainly be the richest in the history of prize fighting, with figures of around £300 million being touted for total cumulative purses.